If you’re in perimenopause, you may have noticed that the way your body responds to exercise isn’t quite the same as it used to.
And one of the biggest shifts I encourage women to consider is this:
You don’t have to make every workout HARD to make it EFFECTIVE.
For years, many women have been taught that more sweat + more intensity = better results.
But during perimenopause, a well-rounded approach to exercise can be much more supportive than doing high-intensity workouts day after day.
Think LESS “go harder” and MORE “train smarter.”
Here are three types of movement I love emphasizing:
STRENGTH TRAINING
Muscle becomes especially important as we move through midlife. Strength training helps support muscle mass, bone health, strength, metabolism and everyday function.
ZONE 2 CARDIO
Think brisk walking, cycling, hiking or another activity where you can sustain a steady effort and still carry on a conversation. Zone 2 work can build aerobic fitness without making every cardio session a maximal effort.
HIGH-INTENSITY TRAINING
You don’t have to eliminate HIIT! Short bouts of higher-intensity exercise can absolutely have a place in your routine. The key is that it’s ONE piece of the puzzle—not the entire puzzle.
And perhaps most importantly…
RECOVERY COUNTS.
Your body still needs rest, adequate nutrition, supplementation, sleep and lower-intensity movement to adapt to the training you’re doing.
A balanced week might look more like:
3 strength sessions
2–3 Zone 2 cardio sessions
1–2 shorter HIIT sessions, depending on your fitness level and recovery
Plenty of walking, mobility and everyday movement
At least some true recovery time
Perimenopause isn’t a time to stop challenging your body.
It’s a time to become more intentional about HOW you challenge it. 
And remember: your ideal exercise routine is going to depend on your fitness level, goals, health, sleep, stress and how your body is responding.
Train for longevity. Train for strength. Train for energy. Train for the woman you want to be in the next decades—not just the body you want today.
What type of movement has been making you feel your BEST lately? 
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